how can I plug a mic into my car stereo?
solar bus driver
I have a car stereo with an 1/8" AUX input on the front. I'd like to be
able to use that with a microphone so I can speak through the speakers (this
is in a 35 foot bus and I want to be able to talk to the riders).
I tried plugging in a mic directly and got nothing. I figured it wouldn't
work without some kind of preamp...
So what is the easiest and cheapest way to accomplish this? I don't want to
install a separate set of speakers just for the PA.... I really want to
talk through the existing stereo speakers. If there's a cheap preamp, or
something made to do this, please let me know what I can use. I was
thinking, maybe I could get a used CB radio and send the output through my
stereo... but i'm not sure if I can use it as a PA or if it can only be
used as a CB.
Any creative (and cheap) ideas are much appreciated!!
by the way, the system is going on this bus:
THANKS!!
Tim Perry
"solar bus driver" <ga...@no-spam-solarbus.org> wrote in message
news:dbadneWvb_poAtzV...@comcast.com...
> Hi,
>
> I have a car stereo with an 1/8" AUX input on the front. I'd like to be
> able to use that with a microphone so I can speak through the speakers
(this
> is in a 35 foot bus and I want to be able to talk to the riders).
>
> I tried plugging in a mic directly and got nothing. I figured it wouldn't
> work without some kind of preamp...
You figured correctly
>
> So what is the easiest and cheapest way to accomplish this? I don't want
to
> install a separate set of speakers just for the PA.... I really want to
> talk through the existing stereo speakers. If there's a cheap preamp, or
> something made to do this, please let me know what I can use. I was
> thinking, maybe I could get a used CB radio and send the output through my
> stereo... but i'm not sure if I can use it as a PA or if it can only be
> used as a CB.
>
> Any creative (and cheap) ideas are much appreciated!!
>
> by the way, the system is going on this bus:
>
> http://solarbus.org
>
> THANKS!!
>
Use a wireless mic with a receiver with adjustible output. The cheap-o
units are all over e-bay for $10 to $20
Sonnova
(in article <48423346$0$20189$4c36...@roadrunner.com>):
You'll probably run into feedback through the microphone though. So be
careful how loud you turn it up.
solar bus driver
"Tim Perry" <timp...@nospammeadelphia.net> wrote in message
news:48423346$0$20189$4c36...@roadrunner.com...
>
> Use a wireless mic with a receiver with adjustible output. The cheap-o
> units are all over e-bay for $10 to $20
>
thanks but here's a question... I assume the battery in the mic is just for
the wireless, and the preamp part is in some kind of a base unit. that
being the case, I'm going to need a 12V preamp so I can run off the battery
power and not have to turn on my inverter just to talk on the mic. do you
think I can find a 12V wireless/preamp? I'm really not worried about the
wireless part. wired is fine. but for the preamp I have to go 12V. any
ideas?
thanks
Tim Perry
Many if not most low cost wireless units will have sufficient output to
drive you line in without additional hardware.
Most karaoke units for which these are intended have input designed for high
Z mics.
If the signal is a bit to low a simple low Z to high Z transformer can be
added.
As someone else pointed out feedback will be a problem unless volume is kept
low.
Many low cost wireless mics use a 12 or 9 volt DC power supply . It should
be cheap and easy to find a universal adaptor to power it.
In addition some models are battery powered at both ends. The receiver is
designed to plug into a guitar amp input.
For example http://tinyurl.com/6cpxn2
Of course any number of preamps exist which will accomplish you goal. I
merely suggest one easy low cost method.
an RDL STM-2 will work, however you will have to add connectors.
A high-Z karaoke type mic may well work well enough without any additional
parts.
However my real recommendation is to concentrate on driving for your safety
and others.
Practice karaoke at home, in the basement, with the windows closed <g>
Badmuts
could get a DIY microphone preamp kit in a store that sells electronics
parts.
This will run on 12v
